The color vanished from his face so fast it was like a curtain being pulled. The smug smile he had been wearing didn’t disappear; it just curdled, freezing into a grotesque mask of disbelief. He opened his mouth to argue, but no sound came out—just a dry, rhythmic clicking in his throat as he realized the secret was out. What? How did he find out? Malrik’s mind raced with questions as he looked at his elders, who returned his gaze with fear in their eyes.

Valex paused in his step and smirked. "Why the sudden look at each other? Are you shocked?" Malrik laughed, trying to regain the composure he never truly had. "Brother, who has told you this misleading information? My elders and I know nothing of such a thing." Valex’s smile widened, this time more evident, as if he had him cornered.

"You see, Malrik," he said as he turned and walked back to his throne, "I’ve known you since you were little. I’ve read you." He seated himself slowly. "I know you more than you know your own self."

Malrik responded defensively, "What are you implying, Valex?" Valex laughed, mocking Malrik and his elders. "If you really did not send shadows to my pack and I accused you, you would have caused a tantrum and chaos. You would have probably waged war against me. You’re not calm, but now all of a sudden you are, even after being accused of a crime that could dethrone you and possibly get you beheaded by the High Chief... not that he doesn’t know it."

Malrik’s eyes widened, almost bulging out of his head. "The... the High Chief?" Valex replied, "Yes, the High Chief. He knows everything, as you know, Malrik."

Malrik laughed uncontrollably. "Brother, you must be delusional. Did the High Chief come here and find out about the human girl you have as your mate? Is that why you want to distract him by shifting the blame to me?"

Valex turned to the elders. "Your king is as useless as you all are." Malrik stood up fiercely, and Kael moved slightly, but firmly. Valex raised his arm, signaling Kael to wait. "You are aware that you are in my pack, and I can do whatever I want to you if you try attacking me."

The elders faced Malrik and bowed their heads, signaling him to relax. Malrik smiled and sat down. "Sorry about my outburst, brother." Valex smiled back. "That is exactly who you are, a king with no patience or calm."

Malrik tightened his fist and clenched his jaw. Kael looked at Valex. What is his Highness trying to do, provoke him?

"You already blurted out your plan," Valex continued, his tone clear and direct. Silence enveloped the state room as everyone absorbed the words. Valex continued, "So, brother, who is the sorcerer who helped you?"

Malrik replied defensively, "What sorcerer? I know no sorcerer, Valex. How could I, when they were all killed?"

Valex tilted his head slowly, his eyes becoming icy and offering no warmth. "I will find that sorcerer, and trust me when I do, it’s bye-bye, brother."

Malrik shivered in fear; the look his brother gave showed nothing but danger. "You’ve gone crazy, brother. You surely have." He stood up hastily. "We shall take our leave now." His elders stood up in unison. "Take care, brother," Malrik said as he turned to leave.

Valex smirked. "That ’human’ girl...," Malrik and the elders paused, turning to look at Valex. He continued, "She and I will be getting married in two days’ time." Malrik couldn’t believe his ears, and his elders looked just as shocked. Valex smiled, relishing their expressions. "And don’t bother trying to give the High Chief information; he has already given his blessings."

It felt as if the floor had suddenly turned to liquid. One moment, they were standing on solid ground; the next, they were plummeting into a void with nothing to grab onto. Malrik turned slowly, his face stiff, and began walking out. His elders followed behind him. Valex stood up, looking up with a glowing smile.

The heavy oak door creaked open just a fraction, allowing a sliver of warm hallway light to cut across Odesse’s darkened bedchamber. Then came the familiar rhythmic thrum-thrum of the serving trolley’s wheels crossing the floorboards. To anyone else, the sound might have been an intrusion, but to Odesse, it was a comforting domestic lullaby.

Miss Faye maneuvered the cart with practiced ease, catching a rattling teapot before it could protest against a stray rug. She didn’t stop until the scent of steeped lemon and honey hovered just inches from Odesse. Leaning over the bedside, her apron crinkling softly, Miss Faye reached out and pressed the back of her hand to Odesse’s flushed cheek.

"Come now, Odesse," she murmured, her voice a low rasp that held more affection than formality. "I’ll never hear the end of it from the chef if this broth goes cold, and you’ll have a headache to match that fever if you don’t hydrate."

She reached for the trolley, lifting the silver lid of the tureen with a soft hiss of steam. "Open those eyes, girl. Just for a moment."

As the scent of ginger and bone broth filled the air, Odesse’s eyelids fluttered. She didn’t bolt awake; instead, she let out a long, shaky sigh, her lips curving into a ghost of a smile before she even opened her eyes.

"I knew you would come eventually," she whispered, her voice sounding like dry parchment.

"Of course, after finding out you have a fever, why wouldn’t I?" Miss Faye replied, her face softening into the familiar map of her wrinkles. She moved to the side of the bed, setting the trolley’s brake with a subtle click. "But I won’t have you fading away because of a fever. Come now, let’s get you upright."

Miss Faye slid an arm behind Odesse’s shoulders, moving with a strength that belied her age. Odesse leaned into her, resting her head for a brief second against the maid’s sturdy shoulder. With a gentle grunt of effort, Miss Faye propped a mountain of silk-cased pillows behind her, ensuring Odesse was upright enough to swallow without choking.

"There. You’re as steady as a mast in a gale, even if you feel like a wilted lily."

The silver spoon clinked softly against the bowl as Miss Faye stirred the broth, blowing on each spoonful until the steam vanished. She held it to Odesse’s lips, her hand rock-steady. Odesse took the first sip, feeling the warmth bloom in her chest and chase away the chill of the fever. She swallowed with effort, her throat working slowly.

"Thank you, Miss Faye," she murmured between sips.

"Don’t thank me with words, Odesse," Miss Faye teased gently, already dipping the spoon back into the bowl. "Thank me by finishing the lot. One spoonful for the crown, since in two days’ time, I will begin to call you ’Her Highness.’"

Odesse blushed softly and replied, "No, you won’t need to be formal, Miss Faye. You can still call me Odesse." Miss Faye smiled gently. "I want to call you ’Her Highness,’ not because I have to, but because it makes me happy when I do." 𝕗𝐫𝚎𝗲𝘄𝐞𝕓𝐧𝕠𝘃𝕖𝐥.𝐜𝚘𝚖

Odesse looked at her, tears rolling down her cheeks. Concerned, Miss Faye asked, "What is wrong, Odesse? Why are you crying?"

Odesse wiped her tears and said, "I forgot what a mother’s care was like after my mother’s death, so you taking care of me like this reminds me of her." Miss Faye’s eyes softened with relief. "I’m really happy about that, Odesse. It makes me feel good," she said, as tears continued to roll down Odesse’s cheeks.

A soft knock preceded Valex, but he entered before anyone could bid him in. He walked with soft steps, his eyes immediately locking onto Odesse. He noticed the way Miss Faye was leaning over her, the maternal curve of her shoulders, and a look of profound gratitude crossed his tired features.

"Am I interrupting something emotional?" he said, his voice low and rich, meant to soothe rather than startle. Miss Faye stood up and smiled as he walked toward the bed. Odesse looked down, a blush creeping onto her cheeks. Miss Faye placed the plate on the food trolley and said, "I shall take my leave now, Your Highness." Odesse looked up and asked, "Wait! who will feed me then?"

Valex took the plate and gently seated himself beside her on the bed. "Who else, if not me, my love?" he replied. Odesse’s face blossomed with color, and Miss Faye smiled as she walked towards the door and it to leave quietly.

Odesse said, "Why would you say that in front of Miss Faye?" Valex lifted a spoon filled with broth and replied, "Well, she’ll be hearing more of it once we’re married, so why not get comfortable with it now?" Odesse looked down, her ears red and her neck burning with embarrassment.

Valex chuckled and said, "You’re really cute when you’re sick." Odesse looked up at him, and he added, "Now open your mouth so I can feed you, my dear." She complied, opening her mouth as Valex gently placed the spoonful of broth inside. Odesse gazed at him with a frail, gentle expression, thinking, A powerful king, feared by many, ruthless in war and decisive in decisions, is right here feeding me and being so tender...

Suddenly, Valex snapped her back to reality by asking, "What are you thinking about?" Odesse shook her head sideways, signaling that it was nothing. He smiled, bent his head down to her face level, tilted his head, and kissed her slowly. Odesse’s eyes widened as she melted into the kiss, her eyes closing, but then they snapped open again as she thought, "Wait... I have a fever!"